A Memorial Service for Greg McDermott at Bridal Veil Falls - Spearfish Canyon, South Dakota

Editor's Note: I was first introduced to Greg by a mutual friend in July 2004 when we were looking for a location to shoot our August 2004 cover. Greg was more than happy to let us do our photo shoot at his body shop and went out of his way to make sure we had everything we needed. The shoot went great, and a few days after the photo shoot Greg invited us to ride with him and several of his friends to KCIR to meet up with Billy Lane who was flying into town for a fundraiser event for the late David Mann. Although I didn't get the opportunity to get to know Greg as well as I would have liked to, fate interceded, as I was blessed with the opportunity to join several of Greg's close friends at Bridal Veil Falls while riding through Spearfish Canyon this year. Randy, a good friend of mine had told me they were having a memorial for Greg at the falls; however, I didn't know the date or time of the event. It just so happened that several friends and I were getting on our bikes after visiting the falls when Randy walked up and said 'Hey...are you here for Greg's memorial?' I couldn't believe it, because had it been just a few minutes later we would have been gone and I would have missed this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to properly say goodbye to Greg. After the touching ceremony Glenbob told me he would send me a copy of the following poem, which he read at Greg's memorial so I could publish it in this month's issue. On behalf of the entire Cycle Connections team we wish Greg's family and friends our condolences and look forward to riding with Greg once again when we all meet at the big biker rally in the sky - Mike Schweder

FINAL RIDE

We're gathered today to honor our brother, Greg McDermott, our buddy, a man like no other. To Sturgis, Daytona, Conesville or the bar, No weather too rough, no distance too far. Cold, windy or raining, always ready to ride, Any place, any time he'd roll on with pride.

To a rally a ball game or a NASCAR race, But he always said THIS was his favorite place. So now, once more, its Spearfish or bust, Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

The good Lord summoned, He answered the call, A brother to many, a friend to all.